Dance show brings down curtain on academy

After five years in the spotlight, the Shields Performing Arts Academy is to close its doors.

The academy is set to go out with a bang, though, and will hold a final showcase entitled Euphoria on Tuesday night in the town hall.

The dance extravaganza will feature students as young as four performing new routines, as wells as special guest performances and audience participation.

Andrew Shields, who set up the group in 2008, told the Hawick News: “I’ve decided to close it [the academy] down and move to Edinburgh. I’ve run it for five years, and feel like I’ve made an impact, but I want to see what I can become as a dancer and see what life has in store for me.”

Andrew will, however, still be coming back every week to continue his role as producer of Hawick pantomime’s Alice in Wonderland show.

He added: “We’re just hoping everyone can come along and buy tickets for our final performance to say goodbye. It will mean a lot to the youngsters to have the support of Hawick. We’ve achieved a lot for the community so it’s been a big thing.”

He added: “I’d like to thank my ex-students Emma Coltman, Paula Glass and Lianne Smith. They’ve all been staff members and volunteered over the last few years, so a big thank you to them and, of course, all the parents.”

Tickets for the showcase are available from Hoops-a-Daisy and Perfectly Polished – £6 for adults and £4 concessions. Doors open at 6pm.